Cherry Blossom Capers

Classic Hollywood Reviews: Singing in the Rain

2012-03-02T06:13:00.000-08:00

Singing in the Rain is one of those all time classic Hollywood musicals. It is perfection...except for one dance sequence in the middle that doesn't make any sense or add anything to the movie. But the rest of it is a wonderful story with great actors, wonderful songs, and dance numbers that make you want to get up and dance, too.

One of my friends mentioned this one on facebook, and someone commented that they wished it was possible to walk down a street and watch people break out into perfectly choreographed songs and dances.

Gene Kelly is brilliant as Don Lockwood, but I adore Donald O'Connor as Cosmo in this movie. He plays the funny man to the hilt, while Debbie Reynolds gets to play Kathy, the ingenue who has a dream and wants to chase it in Hollywood at the time talkies are making their move. Gene Kelly hams it up as an overdone silent movie star who has to make the transition to the talkies...unfortunately his costar has a voice that won't make the transition. So Don and Cosmo come up with a scheme with Kathy's help that will turn the Dancing Cavalier into a glorious talking film.

Singing in the Rain was nominated for two Oscars, but didn't win either category. It is listed at #79 in IMDb's top 250 list. Here's a link to the trailer.

This is a movie the whole family can enjoy -- though there is that one dance sequence with Cyd Charisse that just doesn't fit. Other than that, the movie is perfection.

Classic Hollywood Reviews: The Sound of Music

2012-02-24T06:12:00.000-08:00

Sing with me....
"The hills are alive....with the sound of music...aaaaa...with songs they have sung for a thousand years..."

In some ways the Sound of Music, doesn't feel old enough to be a classic. I remember watching it most years during the holiday season as a child. It was one of those annual rites of passage. But the movie did release in 1965, so it fits.

In case you haven't seen it, the Sound of Music is based on the true story of a novice nun who is sent to the home of an Austrian widower during the early days of the war to serve as a nanny to his seven children. It is filled with wonderful songs and music from Rogers and Hammerstein.

It's a romance cloaked in the way the world changes when Austria unites with Nazi Germany. It's a stirring tale, and the children are priceless. The movie was well recognized for its excellence winning five oscars including Best Picture.

If you haven't seen it and want a taste, be sure to view the trailer here.

Now if you've seen the movie, I'd love to know your favorite song or character. Leave a comment!

President's Day at Mount Vernon

2012-02-20T04:11:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder what it would be like to be at Mount Vernon for President's Day. Here's a glimpse of the 2010 celebration!

Classic Hollywood Review: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

2012-02-17T09:11:00.000-08:00

This was one of the first Classic Hollywood Reviews that I wrote. And as we ponder the election from a week and a half ago, I thought it was appropriate to run it again. There will be many new people in Washington starting in January. Here's praying they come with the convictions and willingness to stand up for what's right that is portrayed in this movie. Whichever side of the aisle you vote, I think we can all agree that's what we need.

Do you have a wee bit of the crusader in you? Wonder if corrupt politics only arrived in the 1990s? Then you need to watch Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. A 1939 offering from one of my favorite classic directors, Frank Capra, with one of my favorite classic stars, Jimmy Stewart, it's the ultimate feel good tale. And what's not to like when Jean Arthur joins the fun.

Jimmy Stewart's character Jefferson Smith is basically a grown-up Eagle Scout who is sent to Wasghington because his handlers think he'll be easy to control. Boy, did they mess up on that assumption! One of my favorite scenes is when he gets to Washington, D.C. and hops on the trolley to take a tour giving his handlers ulcers with his disappearing act. (For a summary of the film, pop over here.)

This was the fifth film that Stewart made in 1939 and garnered a total of eleven Academy Award nominations but only won in one category. This was also the second film in which Stewart and Arthur are paired as romantic leads. Don't worry, I'll talk about the 1938 film in coming weeks, because it's another family favorite.

There's a lot to love about this film. It highlights the corruption of the media. The corruption in politics. The hero worship that can lead to disillusionment. Hmm, what's there to love, you ask?

How about a man who won't be railroaded? Who stands up for what he knows is right even when his is the only voice speaking? A man who will offer himself on the altar in sacrifice for what is right for the country? If you wonder about the power of one man, pop in this video and then pray for God to give us people in office like this!

This movie one best Oscar for story and was nominated for a string more. I highly recommend this movie.

My Favorite Fall Tea for One.

2012-02-07T05:17:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. Sorry I didn't post last week. I"d planned to post Susan's Bearclaw recipe today, but I've decided, instead, to share my special autumn tea pot and cup. I'm one of the many tea and teapot collectors in the world. Love my teapots and I actually use some of them. I was flipping through a tea catalog a few years ago and fell in love with this teapot for one. I ordered it, of course. The day the item should have arrived and didn't I called tracking and they insisted the package had been delivered. There happened to be a care center for the elderly down the street and their address was just before mine. Yes, you guessed it. My teapot had been left there by mistake.

I take it off its shelf each September and put it away in November when I switch to Christmas ones. It just seems to give my tea a special flavor and flair. If you'd like, share a photo of your favorite tea cup or pot.

Happy tea drinking.

Frances Devine

From Mount Vernon Estates to The Smithsonian: How the Setting of Buried Deception Came to Life

2012-02-06T05:11:00.000-08:00

"No estate in United America is more pleasantly situated than this."

- George Washington, 1790

Ever wonder where an author gets an idea for a story? The idea for Buried Deception came in 2005 when my family took a three week homeschool tour up the East coast. Mount Vernon was one of our stops.

I loved everything about Mount Vernon in the summertime from the beautiful foliage and blooming trees to the richness of the history on the grounds. I marveled at George Washington’s innovations as I walked through the mansion and wondered which antiques were original and which were replicas. That thought lead to another... “What if a real antique at Mount Vernon was discovered to be a fake?” One thing lead to another and Buried Deception was born.

It was months before I began writing the novella and years before it actually sold. Though I had visited Mount Vernon, it had been too long to trust my memory. That’s when I contacted an archaeologist at Mount Vernon to help me fill in the gaps. It was then that I learned that new buildings were built on the grounds since I had visited and the picture in my head needed a visual reminder not only of the layout of the buildings, but the floor plan of the mansion.

Thankfully, the virtual map of the Mount Vernon Mansion was invaluable when writing the scenes in the mansion. I referred to it dozens of times when writing Buried Deception. Updated maps and the Mount Vernon website also gave me a bird’s eye view that I needed to bring the setting of my novella to life.

I utilized the same research technique with the other locations in Buried Deception, and it’s my hope that while you read it you will actually feel like you’re walking the halls of the Smithsonian and the grounds of Christ Church and Mount Vernon.

If you’re a visual reader and want to bring Buried Deception to life in a more visual way? Check out the link and explore the mansion and rooms Samantha and her children visited for yourself!

Classic Hollywood Reviews: Arsenic and Old Lace

2012-02-03T07:32:00.000-08:00

Last week I unintentionally offended a friend (just kidding, Steph) by not inviting her over to watch this classic Cary Grant comedy. When I saw that theTCM Comedy Collectionincluded Arsenic and Old Lace, I was a wee bit puzzled. Guess it had been too long since I watched the movie. It didn't take too many minutes and I was thoroughly delighted by Cary Grant's comedic acting.

This 1944 film tells the story of a confirmed bachelor who's slipped off to get married. On his way to his honeymoon he stops at his aunts' home and stumbles on a body. The thing is, everybody believes his aunts are the salt of the earth and nobody would ever expect them to be serial killers. The balance of the movie highlights his character's attempts to keep one brother safe and keep his aunts from killing anyone else. Of course there are all kinds of twists -- some hilarious and a couple sinister -- making this a thoroughly delightful Frank Capra directed flick. And add in Josephine Hull playing another slightly zany older woman (ala Harvey) and it is a perfect film to spend an evening with.

I didn't know Director Frank Capra enlisted in the U. S. Army Signal Corps in 1941 during filming. He received an extension of his order to report for active duty until late January 1942 so he could finish editing the picture.

If you haven't watched this movie, you really should. It's wonderful!

Playing Martha Washington

2012-01-30T07:59:00.000-08:00

In Buried Deception, one of the characters play a slave at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estates. While the author has taken liberties with this representation of this portrayal, you can still learn what it's like to be someone from the past!

Classic Hollywood Reviews: Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House

2012-01-27T07:31:00.000-08:00

I must be on a Cary Grant kick right now. A couple weeks ago, Eric and I pulled out this 1948 Cary Grant flick. I love that it co-stars Myrna Loy, one of my favorite actresses thanks to the Thin Man series. In Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, Jim and Muriel Blandings decide their apartment is impossibly small and rather than be content there, they are going to build a dream house in Connecticut. The only problem is they'd never heard of Dave Ramsey and his financial principles. They find that building the house is much more trouble than they anticipated, not to mention over the top financially.

The movie is not the typical quick repartee comedy...but if you stick with it, and understand all the mistakes the couple makes, it is a fun movie. Just don't take any financial advice from this couple!

I personally like the attorney who plays narrator and breath of ignored reality to the couple. He can't help it that Mr. Blandings refuses to take his advice -- at any turn.

And here's a fun piece of trivia for you from IMDb: The house "Blandings' Way" really exists on Indian Hill Road in New Milford, Connecticut. It's a beautiful huge white art deco/colonial house that has many of the actual rooms discussed in the movie - such as a room to cut flowers. Also less than a mile away on Long Mountain Road is executive producer of the movie and MGM head Dore Schary's old country home.

Behind the Scenes at Mount Vernon Summer Institute for Teachers

2012-01-23T04:03:00.000-08:00

Gina Conroy tried to bring a bit of history alive in her story, Buried Deception, but every summer Mount Vernon invites a handful of educators to attend their on-site summer teachers' institutes. Hear what some of them had to say.

Classic Hollywood Review: High Society & Philadelphia Story

2012-01-20T07:29:00.000-08:00

High Society is a 1956 flick that remakes The Philadelphia Story(1940). Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart are replaced by Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. Grace Kelly slides into Katherine Hepburn's role as the spoiled socialite preparing for her wedding. I LOVE the original. But one thing High Society has that the original doesn't is Bing and Frank singing and dancing. That's something extra that's pretty special, too. Add in Louis Armstrong and his trumpet and gravelly voice, ad you have some great music.

But the movie still lacks something that the original has...well, it lacks Kate, Jimmy and Cary. And while I adore Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly just isn't Kate Hepburn (IMHO). The original also won two Oscars, so I guess the Academy agrees with me.

The basic storyline is identical. Rich, spoiled heiress is preparing to marry her second husband in a matter of days. Reporters and first husband show up making a mess of her ordered life. In the process she comes to realize she wants more from her life than the cold, above-it-all persona she's crafted for herself.

High Society is still worth watching...just watch it first and then pull out The Philadelphia Story.

Chef Tara's Fudgy Brownies

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Tara's Fudgy Brownies

Tara made these for movie night and Ciara is particularly fond of these, with frosting after a hard day.

3/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup boiling water
1-3/4 cups sugar
2 eggs
1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
Stir cocoa and baking soda together in large bowl. Stir in 1/3 cup melted butter. Add boiling water and stir until mixture thickens. Then stir in sugar, eggs and remaining 1/3 cup butter, and stir until the whole mixture is smooth. Add flour, vanilla and salt. Blend well. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Frost if desired. Cut into squares.

*Note: if you decide to frost the brownies, go ahead and use the prepared frosting. Chances are you'll probably eat it right out of the container anyway.

Enjoy with classic movie of your choice! Garnish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle of chocolate syrup for a brownie sundae.

Tea, Coffee, Me

2012-01-17T07:16:00.000-08:00

I wouldn't want anyone to think I only drink tea. Coffee was my hot drink of choice for many years and I still love the stuff. From black to luscious lattes. I like it all.

I think I was about fourteen when I first got hooked on coffee. I was living with my sister and brother-in-law. My sis went to work for a while and I watched the kiddos. I guess I was trying to stay up until they got home, so I started drinking coffee. It didn't take me long to fall in love with the brew.

Now, I drink either decaf or half-cafe for health reasons.

In Coffee, Tea and Danger, how did Vince like his coffee? The first person with the right answer gets a free, autographed copy of Cherry Blosssom Capers.

Next week, I'll be posting a recipe for my Cranberry Banana Nut Bread. Nothing goes better with coffee. See you then.

Blessings,

Frances

Scouting at Mount Vernon

2012-01-16T08:23:00.000-08:00

George Washington was a great leader and innovator who left a legacy filled with character that all scouts can glean from. Did you know Mount Vernon offers boy and girl scouts "to explore the past and increase their understanding of America's first and greatest president!"

Wreath laying Ceremony at Mount Vernon*

Scouting days run from November 1, 2011 - February 17, 2012
Free admission to all scouts, Camp Fire Club members in uniform or wearing official pin. Other discounts for leaders are offered. For more information on he scouting program and what scouting patches are offered visit the Mount Vernon website.

*photo taken from Mount Vernon website.

Classic Hollywood Review: The King and I

2012-01-13T07:29:00.000-08:00

The King and I is a classic Rogers and Hammestein musical set in Siam in the 19th century. Yul Brynner is the 19th-century Siamese monarch who hires English governess Deborah Kerr to teach his wives and children and winds up getting an education of his own. Features such songs as "Getting to Know You," "Hello Young Lovers" and "Shall We Dance." Filmed in 1956, the movie is rich with Deborah Kerr's beautiful gowns and a subtle sense of humor. It also deals with deep issues including things like keeping promises, the value of life, and many more.

I showed this to my daughter a few weeks ago and she enjoyed it, but thought it moved a bit slow. However, when they started singing and dancing she was enthralled. And there's something timeless about a romance that is doomed from the start.

Whether you see this in the film or as a play, it's a wonderful story and piece of America's theater and cinematic history.

Behind the Scenes: America's Executive Mansion

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

Imagine what it's like to cook for the leader of the free world. Every morning, you enter a building--no, a home--steeped in our country's history. You can make a candlelight dinner for two, or cater an elegant affair for 1,000 guests. You're one of the White House chefs.

When I first sat down to think of an idea for my contribution to Cherry Blossom Capers, I decided to aim straight for one of the top attractions in our nation's capital, but one of the most tightly guarded: the White House. Enter my heroine, a chef from Texas who's enjoying her dream job. Then came a news story that gave my story its all-too-real what-if.

I remember visiting the White House when I was in junior high, during those pre-September 11th days when security was tight, but not like now. Maybe those were the days of innocence. But the news story that helped inspire my novella showed that evil will always try to find a way to sneak inside.

The following video isn't that news story. I'm not giving the ending away! But it's a video that shows some of the goings-on behind the scenes at the White House. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Let's Talk About Tea and Have a Book Contest

2012-01-10T06:45:00.000-08:00

Hi, there. I'm Frances Devine, author of Coffee, Tea, and Danger, the fourth book in Cherry Blossom Capers. I became a serious coffee drinker at the age of fourteen. It didn't take me long to become addicted. Tea? Yuk. I wouldn't have drunk hot tea for a date with Cary Grant . For the life of me, I can't remember when that changed. I only know that hot tea and I have been in love for many years.

When you see the word tea, what pops though your mind? A tall frosted glass or a cup with steam coming out the top? Do you like mugs or dainty little cups on saucers?

I read a comment from a Englishman once. He said, "I simply don't understand you Americans. You boil the water to make you tea hot, then put ice in it to make it cold." Then he added, "You put sugar in it t o make it sweet, then add lemon to make it sour."

He just didn't understand. lol. I personally don't drink much iced tea. But give me my cuppa and I'm a happy woman.

When I first became a tea drinker, the only thing that went into my cup was a Lipton's tea bag. But through the years, I've expanded. My cupboards today contain cans and boxes of plain and flavored teas, herbal and black. My favorites, this year at least, are Prince of Wales and Assam. When I have time, I prefer loose tea, but i don't thumb my nose at bags.

A few years ago, my friend's little girl decided she liked tea, so we began an annual tea party. With trays, tea for ones, and cookies and sandwiches. Now she's almost nine, and although we still have the party, she's deserted to hot cocoa for her drink of choice. Ah the fickleness of youth.

What about you? Leave a comment with your favorite or most hated tea memory and I'll place your name in a drawing for a free copy of Cherry Blossom Capers. Be sure to include your email address.

God Bless You,

Frances Devine

The Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center at Mount Vernon

2012-01-09T07:13:00.000-08:00

In Buried Deception, the children visit the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center at Mount Vernon. Find out more about what they see and do while inside!

The Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center features 23 galleries and theaters where visitors learn about Washington through interactive displays, an action adventure movie, short films produced by The History Channel, immersive experiences, and a rich and comprehensive collection of more than 700 objects which give an unprecedented look at the personal effects of the Washington family. The building also houses a Distance Learning Center, which originates live broadcasts to schools across the U.S., and includes a Teachers Resource Center, which offers a multitude of learning resources for teachers. READ MORE

photo credit: Mount Vernon website

Classic Hollywood Review: My Favorite Wife

2012-01-06T07:27:00.000-08:00

I'm slipping back to Hollywood for a week, just because, I miss it! And this movie is too fun. It doesn't take long to realize I'm a Cary Grant fan. I won't list all the reasons why, but this movie was a great addition to my viewing repertoire.

The basic set up is that Cary Grant's character is at court to have his wife declared legally dead seven years after she disappeared at sea. Then he promptly marries wife two. As they are at court, long lost wife one shows up at home. What follows is a comedy of errors that made me think of Parent Trap on occasion.

Cary Grant is great as the befuddled and confused lead. And Irene Dunne does a great job reeling him back in. I felt sorry for wife #2, but not too sorry.

So if you're looking for a classic that has romance, comedy, and some great lines, pop this one in.

Visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washtngton, D.C.

2012-01-05T05:25:00.000-08:00

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is the nation’s greatest springtime celebration. The 2012 Festival, March 20 – April 27, includes 5 spectacular weeks of events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit.

The 2012 Festival commemorates the 100th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan. Click here for the latest updates, and here for a full list of Festival events.

History of the Cherry Blossom Trees and Festival

Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC. The gift and annual celebration honor the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan and the continued close relationship between the two countries. Read More

2012 Centennial

A Once In A Lifetime Celebration...The epic 5-week spectacular, from March 20 – April 27, 2012, will unify and electrify the city, the nation, and the world. Washington, DC and the region will be abuzz with excitement. Creativity and innovation will permeate signature Festival events elevating them to new heights, and ground-breaking Centennial exhibitions and programming will amaze and delight. Timeless traditions. Rich culture. Renowned artists. World-class performers. The community at its best! Read More

All information was taken from the National Cherry Blossom Festival website. The festival starts on March 20, 2012 and goes through April 27th. For a listing of activities, visit the events page.

Mount Vernon: Writing a Setting that Comes Alive

2012-01-02T07:15:00.000-08:00

"No estate in United America is more pleasantly situated than this."

- George Washington, 1790

Author Gina Conroy only visited Mount Vernon once. So how did she describe the setting of the Mount Vernon the grounds and mansion in such detail in her novella Buried Deception? This map helped to set the scene for her in her mind. It can help you too to visualize the setting and how the characters moved about the estate.

She also referred to this virtual map of the Mount Vernon mansion dozens of times when writing her novella, Buried Deception. Want to bring the story to life in a more visual way? Check out the link and explore the mansion and rooms Samantha and her children visited for yourself!

Classic Hollywood Reviews: Penny Serenade

2011-12-30T07:28:00.000-08:00

Penny Serenade is a 1941 movie that stars Cary Grant and Irene Dunne. It is set as a retrospective beginning with a wife who says she's leaving her husband. Then she begins listening to records. With each record she sees a different aspect of their life together spanning from the time they met, their courting, to adopting a daughter and the crisis that threatens to tear them apart.

This movie starts as a dramatic romance, moves into comedy with the arrival of a baby and then slides back into drama.

The scenes involving adoption and the desire this couple has to adopt are very touching. And Roger's plea to the judge to be able to keep the little girl by finalizing the adoption brought tears to my eyes.

I knew nothing about this movie going into it. A friend had loaned it to me, so Eric and I took a chance on it -- not hard to do when Cary Grant's the lead. I'm glad we watched it. It was tender and touching. A film I won't soon forget.

5 Star Review for Cherry Blossom Capers!

2011-12-27T19:19:00.000-08:00

Found this review on Amazon!

GREAT Christian romance/suspense book!, December 27, 2011

"Cherry Blossom Capers" is a Christian fiction {romance/suspense} book - part of the "Romancing America" series. I absolutely LOVED this book! It was a really great read! The book was a four-in-one type book, but all four of the "mini-books" were related, which I really liked! The book is based on four women neighbors (who are friends...and share "movie nights" together), with each woman being featured in her own story. In each of the four stories within the book, one of the four women ends up being in the middle of a dangerous situation. And, while trying to figure out what is going on...they each end up falling in love! This book had everything I love to read combined - drama/suspense {reminded me of Nancy Drew} mixed in with a little romance {but not too sappy}! (After reading this book, I am definitely interested in reading other books from the series.) I thought the entire book was well-written, easy-to-read, and hard to put down!! I would HIGHLY recommend this book! 5 out of 5 stars!!!!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an e-book edition of this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Have you read Cherry Blossom Capers? What did you think? Would you recommend it? Add your thoughts to the comment section or on amazon!

A Glimpse of Christmas at Mount Vernon

2011-12-25T20:13:00.000-08:00

Wonder what the Washington's ate for Christmas or how they decorated the mansion? Take a trip to the past and find out!

First Review!!

2011-12-23T11:11:00.000-08:00

I was excited when Cherry Blossom Capers was released before it's January 1st date, but even more excited to see the first review!

Here's what Maureen had to say about my novella, Buried Deception.

The third story is Buried Deception by Gina Conroy, and is Samantha Steele's and her two children Alex and Callie story. There are a couple of suitors and the setting is Mount Vernon Estates...wow!! There are some missing artifacts and forgeries added to the mystery here. You wonder if she will end up with Nick Porter or Cody Sparks, there is also murder, kidnappings and break ins.

Read the rest at GoodReads

Cherry Blossom Capers Now Available for PreOrder

2011-12-12T10:14:00.001-08:00

Order Now!

Four townhouse neighbors encounter romance and mystery near our nation’s capital.

In State Secrets, White House assistant chef Tara Whitley and FBI agent Jack Courtland stop a plot to sabotage a State dinner—and find love still hidden in their hearts.

In Dying for Love, attorneys and opponents Ciara Turner and Daniel Evans uncover love while searching for justice.

In Buried Deception, archaeologist Samantha Steele and security guard Nick Porter dig up love while uncovering a forged artifact.

In Coffee, Tea and Danger, amateur sleuths Susan Holland and Vince Martinelli find love while investigating a string of mysterious accidents.

Cherry Blossom Capers Now Available for PreOrder

2011-12-12T10:13:00.000-08:00